By RIA Novosti
Moscow : Russia plans to begin test flights of its fifth-generation Sukhoi fighter jets in 2009, the Russian industry and energy minister has said.
“The development of a fifth-generation Advanced Tactical Frontline Fighter is being carried out under the Sukhoi PAK FA project,” Viktor Khristenko said in a report posted on the ministry’s website Thursday.
“The test flights of the new aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2009,” he said.
The new fighter aircraft, which will feature high manoeuvrability and stealth to ensure air superiority and precision in destroying ground and sea targets, will be built at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft-manufacturing plant in Russia’s Far East.
Some experts believe the PAK FA fighter has been designed to be comparable to both the American F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
It will eventually replace the MiG-29 Fulcrum and Su-27 Flanker fighters in the Russian Air Force and will be exported to other countries.